Methods and systems for a foldable tent

ABSTRACT

A collapsible tent with crossbars that are formed of multiple sections that include a hinge with an axis of rotation misaligned with the central axis of the crossbar, wherein each of the support poles includes mounting brackets that allow portions of adjacent crossbars to rotate in a direction orthogonal to each other. Embodiments of the collapsible tent may include four support poles, four crossbars, four hinges, and eight mounting brackets.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Field of the Disclosure

Examples of the present disclosure relate to a foldable tent that includes a plurality of support poles and crossbars. More specifically, embodiments include crossbars that are formed of multiple sections that include a hinge with an axis of rotation misaligned with the central axis of the crossbar, wherein each of the support poles includes mounting brackets that allow portions of adjacent crossbars to rotate in a direction orthogonal to each other.

Background

Conventional temporary or partial shelters, such as tents, either use a constructible type or a collapsible fame. Typically constructible type tents require assembly of a series of poles, rods, fasteners, etc. that are inserted into each other to provide a frame. These types of tents can be complex and time consuming to construct. Additionally, after assembly and disassembly parts associated with constructible can become lost.

Alternatively, collapsible tents eliminate the tedious and time consuming assembly process. However, conventional collapsible tents operate in an accordion style with overlapping poles that slide on each other to compress and elongate. These conventional accordion style tents require ends of upper supports to travel along the vertical supports to push the crossbars horizontally. This can create pinching hazards, weak points, and many simultaneous moving parts.

Other convention tents may utilize a hinged bar with two pivots coupled to the underside of different portions of the crossbar. These conventional hinges utilize pivots that are in line with the crossbar, wherein the hinged bar is positioned under the crossbar when the crossbar is extended. By positioning the hinged bar on the underside of the crossbar, the hinged bar does not assist in maintaining the crossbar in the extended position.

Accordingly needs exist for systems and methods associated with a collapsible tent with crossbars that are formed of multiple sections that include a hinge with an axis of rotation misaligned with the central axis of the crossbar, wherein each of the support poles includes mounting brackets that allow portions of adjacent crossbars to rotate in a direction orthogonal to each other.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein describe a system with a collapsible tent with crossbars that are formed of multiple sections that include a hinge with an axis of rotation misaligned with the central axis of the crossbar. Each of the support poles includes mounting brackets that allow portions of adjacent crossbars to rotate in a direction orthogonal to each other. Embodiments of the collapsible tent may include four support poles, four crossbars, four hinges, and eight mounting brackets.

The support poles may be configured to be vertical supports for the collapsible tent, and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a ground surface and orthogonal to the crossbars when the crossbars are extended. The support poles may include a bottom half and a lower half. The bottom half may of each support pole may be configured to be fixed in place, and the upper half of each support pole may be telescopic. This may enable a height of the tent to dynamically change. In embodiments, the height of the tent may change when the crossbars are in their collapsed or extended position, such that the height of the collapsible tent is independent from the width and the length of the collapsible tent.

Each of the plurality of crossbars may include a first portion and a second portion, which are separated by a hinge. A first end of the first portion may be coupled to a first support pole via a first mounting bracket, and a second end of the first portion may be coupled to a first end of the second portion via a hinge. Furthermore, a second end of the second portion may be coupled to a second support pole via a second mounting bracket. The first end of the first portion may be configured to rotate around a first axis via the first mounting bracket, wherein the first axis of rotation is in line with a central axis of the first portion. The second end of the second portion may be configured to rotate around a second axis via the second mounting bracket, wherein the second axis of rotation is in line with a central axis of the second portion.

A hinge may be positioned between the first portion of the crossbar and the second portion of the crossbar. The hinge may be a single pivot configured to allow an angle between the first portion of the crossbar and the second portion of the crossbar to change. In embodiments, a single axis of rotation associated with the hinge may be positioned above or offset from a central axis of the first portion and second portion of the crossbar. The single axis of rotation may limit pinch points associated with the crossbar, while minimizing a profile of the extended crossbar. The axis of rotation may be positioned above the first end of the second portion and the second end of the first portion when the crossbar is extended and when the crossbar is retracted. This may allow the upper surfaces of portions of the crossbar to be positioned adjacent to each other when the tent is in a collapsed position, which may not be possible if axis of rotation of the hinge was positioned under the crossbar. Furthermore, by misaligning the axis of rotation of the hinge above the central axis of the crossbar, the hinge may allow for a single axis of rotation between the first portion and the second portion, whereas multiple axis of rotations may be needed if the hinge was positioned under the central axis of the crossbar.

Moreover, by positioning the axis of rotation above the crossbar when the first crossbar is extended, the axis of rotation may be positioned on opposite sides of the crossbar then the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket. As such, when the mounting brackets are applying an upward force against lower surfaces of the crossbar, the hinge may cause a rotational restriction on the opposite side of the crossbar when the crossbar is extended due to inner faces of the first portion and second portion of the crossbar being directly adjacent to each other.

The hinge may also include a securing system, such as a lock, that is positioned on an opposite side of the crossbar than the hinge. When the lock is secured, the angle between the first portion and the second portion may not change. When the lock is released, the angle between the first portion and the second portion may change.

A first mounting bracket may be coupled to a first side of a support pole, and a second mounting bracket may be coupled to a second side of the support pole. The first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket may be positioned orthogonal to each other. The first mounting bracket may be configured to couple a first crossbar with the support pole, and allow for a first fixed axis of rotation for the first crossbar. The second mounting bracket may be configured to couple a second crossbar with the support pole, and allow for a second fixed axis of rotation for the second crossbar. The mounting brackets may be configured to apply a constant force towards the corresponding portions of the crossbars to maintain the crossbars in the extended position without the mounting brackets moving relative to the support poles or crossbars. To retract the crossbars, a force may be applied away from the axis of rotation of the hinge, across the crossbar, towards the ground surface.

In embodiments, the rotation of the first crossbar may be independent of the rotation of the second crossbar. This may allow a width of the tent to be independent from a length of tent. This may assist when a single person is transitioning the tent between the extended and collapsed position.

Furthermore, different mounting brackets may be configured to apply forces against different portions of a crossbar simultaneously until the crossbar is orthogonal to the support poles. Specifically, when the first face of a first portion of a crossbar is positioned directly adjacent to the second portion of the crossbar, the mounting brackets may not be able to apply forces to additionally rotate the corresponding sections of the crossbar. This may automatically retain the crossbar in an extended position. When the crossbar transitions from the extended position to a retracted position, upper edges of the first portion and the second portion of the crossbar may be maintained adjacent to each other, while a distance from the lower edges of the first portion and the second portion may increase.

In further embodiments, shafts may be positioned on the upper ends of the support poles. The shafts may be configured to form washers or other weights to maintain the support poles in place.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a collapsible tent 100, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a collapsible tent in an extended position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a hinge in a locked position and FIG. 4 depicts a hinge in an unlocked position, according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a method for utilizing a collapsible tent, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a collapsible tent system, according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a tarp, according to an embodiment

FIG. 9 depicts a tarp and bag combination, according to an embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present invention. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a collapsible tent 100, according to an embodiment. Collapsible tent 100 may be configured to allow the length of tent 100 to be extended and collapsed independent from the width of collapsible tent 100. This may assist a single user in transforming tent 100. Collapsible tent 100 may include a plurality of support poles 110, a plurality of crossbars 120, a planarity of hinges 130, and mounting brackets 140, 142 coupled to each support pole 110.

Support poles 110 may be a vertical support structure for collapsible tent 100, and may be configured to dynamically elongate and contract. In embodiments, the vertical height of support poles 110 may be independent from the length and/or width of collapsible tent 100. Support poles 110 may be formed of a lower portion 112 and an upper portion 114. Upper portion 114 may be configured to encompass lower portion 112, and slide upward and downward along lower portion to change the height of collapsible tent 100. Upper portion 114 may have a series of aligned orifices 116, 118, 119 each with a different vertical offset, and lower portion 112 may include a projection that is configured to expand and retract. Responsive to aligned the projection with a orifice 116, 118, 119 the projection may expand to temporary lock a vertical height of support pole 110.

Crossbars 120 may be configured to extend between adjacent support poles 110. Crossbars 120 may be formed of a first portion 122 and a second portion 124, wherein first portion 122 and second portion 124 may not be unitary pieces. First portion 122 and second portion 124 may rotate relative to each other to allow crossbar 120 to transition from an extended mode to a collapsed mode. In the extended mode, crossbar 120 may be parallel to a ground surface, and in the collapsed mode first portion 122 and second portion 124 may extend in a direction perpendicular to a ground surface. First portion 122 may have a first end positioned adjacent to a first support pole 110, and a second end positioned adjacent to a first end of second portion 124. Second portion 124 may have a first end positioned adjacent to the second end of first portion 122, and a second end positioned adjacent to a second support pole 110. First end of first portion 112 may have a first axis of rotation that is aligned with a central axis of first portion 112. A second axis of rotation associated with the first portion 112 and second portion 114 may be misaligned with the central axis of first portion 112 and second portion 114. By misaligning the second axis of rotation between the first portion 112 and the second portion 114, the second axis of rotation may be positioned above first portion 112 and second portion 114 when the crossbar 120 is extended, and between the first portion 112 and second portion 114 when the crossbar is collapsed. This may limit the amount of exposed parts of collapsible tent 110, while minimizing the footprint of collapsible tent 110.

Hinge 130 may be a mechanical bearing that is configured to couple first portion 112 and second portion 114 together. Hinge 130 may be a cap that has a first end that is configured to slide over, or into, first portion 112, and a second end that is configured to slide over, or into, second portion 114. Hinge 130 may include a fixed axis of rotation that allows first portion 112 to rotate relative to second portion 114. The fixed axis of rotation associated with the hinge 130 may be positioned above crossbar 120 when crossbar is extended. This may position the axis of rotation on an opposite side of the movement of the middle ends of first portion 112 and second portion 114, when first portion 112 and second portion 114 are transitioning between collapsed and extended modes. Additionally, hinge 130 may include a lock that is positioned on an opposite side of hinge 130 than the fixed axis of rotation. Specifically, the lock may temporary and selectively secure the first end of the hinge 130 with the second end of the hinge. When the lock is engaged, movement of the crossbar 130 from the extended mode towards the collapsed mode may be restricted. Further, when crossbar 130 is positioned in the collapsed mode, a distance between the portions of the lock may be too great to lock first portion 112 and second portion 114 together.

Mounting brackets 140, 142 may be positioned on adjacent sides of support pole 110 and crossbars 130. Each mounting bracket 140, 142 may allow portions of adjacent crossbars to rotate above a second fixed axis of rotation 144, wherein the second fixed axis of rotation is in line with a central axis of the first portion 112 of crossbar 130. A first side of mounting bracket 140 may be positioned on support pole 110 and a second side of mounting bracket 140 may be positioned on first portion 122 of a first crossbar 120. A first side of mounting bracket 142 may be positioned on support pole 110 and a second side of mounting bracket 142 may be positioned on second portion 124 of a second crossbar 120. In embodiments, the rotation of the first crossbar may be independent of the rotation of the second crossbar. This may allow a width of the tent 100 to be independent from a length of tent 100. This may assist when a single person is transitioning the tent 100 between the extended and collapsed position.

In further embodiments, shafts 150 may be positioned on the upper ends of the support poles 110. The shafts 150 may be configured to form washers or other weights to maintain the support poles 110 in place.

FIG. 2 depicts collapsible tent 100 in an extended position, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 2 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 2 , when in the extended position each of the crossbars 120 are positioned orthogonal to support poles 110.

FIG. 3 depicts hinge 130 in a locked position and FIG. 4 depicts hinge 130 in an unlocked position, according to embodiments. Elements depicted in FIGURES and 4 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 the first fixed axis of rotation 132 associated within hinge 130 may be positioned above the central axis of first portion 122 and second portion 124 of crossbar 120. This may allow for the axis of rotation of first portion 122 and second portion 124 to be positioned between inner surfaces of these elements. The first axis of rotation 132 may also assist in securing crossbar 120 in the extended position.

Furthermore, hinge 130 may include a lock comprising of a locking element 310 and projection 320 that are configured to interface with each other to secure crossbar 120 in the extended position. However, when tent 100 is in the collapsed position, locking element 310 and projection 320 may not be positioned adjacent to each other and not be able to form a lock.

FIG. 5 depicts a method 500 for utilizing a collapsible tent, according to an embodiment. The operations of method 500 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 500 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 500 are illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

At operation 510, the collapsible tent may be positioned in a collapsed position to minimize the footprint of the collapsible tent. When the collapsible tent is in the closed position, an axis of rotation of a hinge may be positioned between portions of the crossbar.

At operation 520, the collapsible tent may be extended by increasing an angle between a first portion of the crossbar and a second portion of the crossbar via a hinge that has a fixed axis of rotation above the first and second portion of the crossbar. In embodiments, the hinge may include a shaft that defines the axis of rotation.

At operation 530, the first portion of the crossbar and the second portion of the crossbar may be locked together via a locking mechanism. In embodiments, the locking mechanism may be positioned below the first portion of the crossbar and the second portion of the crossbar.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a collapsible tent system 700, according to embodiments. Elements depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 , each side of tent 100 may further include cross-sectional cross bars 710, 720. Cross-sectional crossbars 710, 720 may be configured to extend from a corresponding support pole 110 towards a center of tent system 700. More specifically, cross-sectional crossbars 710, 720 may extend at a slight upward angle towards a center of tent system 700, and be coupled to each other via a hinge 750. In embodiments, hinge 750 may be configured to permanently couple distal ends of cross-sectional cross bars 710, 720. Furthermore, each of the cross-sectional cross bars 710, 720 may be permanently coupled to an upper surface of a corresponding support pole 110 via a second hinge 755.

Each of the cross-sectional crossbars 710, 720 may include a first portion and a second portion, which may be configured to be rotated relative to one another via a hinge 730. Hinge 730 may operate and may be structurally similar to hinge 130.

When each of the cross-sectional crossbars 710, 720 are locked in place via a corresponding hinge 730, a tarp 760, bag, canvas, etc. may be coupled to a projection 150 of a corresponding support pole 110.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , a first strap 765 positioned on a first corner of tarp 760 may be coupled to a first projection 150 on a first support pole 110, and a second strap 767 positioned on a second corner of tarp 760 may be coupled to a second projection 150 on a second support pole 110. Tarp 760 may then hang freely over a side of tent system 700 to form a sidewall for tent system 700. This may enable protection from the elements via the tarp 760 covering the sidewall of tent system 700.

As depicted in FIG. 7 , straps associated with each corner of tarp 760 may be coupled with a projection 150 on a corresponding support pole 110. This may enable tarp 760 to form a roof over tent system 700. Straps 770 positioned on midpoints of edges of tarp 760 may be coupled to and hooked onto a locking element 310 of a corresponding hinge 130. This may enable a more secure coupling of tent system 700 and tarp 760 via straps 770 at four locations and four straps at the corners of tarp 760.

FIG. 8 depicts tarp 760 according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 8 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 8 , tarp 760 may include a plurality of straps 765, 767, and 770, wherein straps 765 and 767 may be positioned on the corners of tarp 760 and straps 770 may be positioned on the midway point of each of the edges. This may enable tarp 760 to be secured to a tent system 700 in multiple orientations based on a desired need.

Furthermore, tarp 760 may be constructed as a bag 810 and tarp combination 760 that is described in U.S. Ser. No. 17/97,028 filed on Oct. 10, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. By utilizing a bag 810 and tarp combination 760, tent system 700 may require less gear to be carried by a user.

FIG. 9 depicts tarp 760 and bag 810 combination, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 9 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 9 , tarp 760 and bag 810 combination may be carried by a user when in a storage mode. When it is desired to utilize tarp 760, the user may remove the backpack and position tarp 760 on corresponding projections on tent system 700.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable support for a structure comprising: a first portion of a crossbar; a second portion of the crossbar; a hinge that is configured to allow the first portion of the crossbar and the second portion of the crossbar together along a single axis of rotation, wherein the single axis of rotation is positioned above the crossbar when the crossbar is extended, wherein the first portion of the crossbar and the second portion of the crossbar extend along a same axis when the crossbar is extended.
 2. The foldable support for the structure of claim 1, wherein the single fixed axis is positioned between the first portion of the crossbar and the second portion of the crossbar as the crossbar is transitioning from being extended to being collapsed.
 3. The foldable support for the structure of claim 1, wherein the hinge includes a first element positioned on a first end of the first portion of the crossbar, and a second element positioned on a second end of the second portion, the first element including a projection, and the second element including a lock, wherein the lock is configured to interface with the projection to restrict the crossbar from transitioning from being extended to being retracted.
 4. The foldable support for the structure of claim 1, further comprising: a support pole configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the crossbar when the crossbar is extended; a mounting bracket with a first side positioned directly adjacent to the support pole, and a second side positioned direction adjacent to the first portion of the crossbar; the mounting bracket being configured to apply a force against the first portion of the crossbar.
 5. The foldable support for the structure of claim 4, wherein the first side of the mounting bracket is coupled to the support pole at a first fixed location, and the second side of the mounting bracket is coupled to the first portion of the crossbar at a second fixed location.
 6. The foldable support for the structure of claim 4, wherein the support pole includes a shaft positioned on an upper surface of the support pole, wherein the shaft is configured to receive a removable top for the foldable support structure.
 7. The foldable support for the structure of claim 1, wherein the single axis of rotation is never inline with a first longitudinal axis of the first portion of the crossbar nor a second longitudinal axis of the second portion of the crossbar.
 8. The foldable support for the structure of claim 1, wherein first portion of the crossbar includes a first end and a second end, the first axis of rotation always being positioned at a higher vertical offset from a ground surface than the first end, and the first axis of rotation being positioned at a lower vertical offset from the ground surface than the second end when the crossbar is extended.
 9. The foldable support for the structure of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the crossbar has a first inner end with a first face and the second portion of the crossbar has a second inner end with a second face, wherein an angle the first face and the second face are always equal.
 10. The foldable support for the structure of claim 9, wherein the first inner end and the second inner end are coupled together via the hinge, and the first face contacts the second face when the crossbar is extended. 